Wilckodontics Washington DC & Alexandria VA

Wilckodontics is a periodontal procedure that dramatically speeds up orthodontic treatment. Also called Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO) or Periodontally Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (PAOO), it combines minor gum surgery with a bone graft to move teeth 3 to 4 times faster than traditional braces or clear aligners alone. Most Wilckodontics cases complete in 6 to 9 months rather than 18 to 24 months.

The procedure was developed by Drs. Thomas and William Wilcko and is performed by a periodontist working alongside your orthodontist. It is best suited for adult patients who want faster orthodontic results without switching to a full jaw surgery.

How Wilckodontics Works

The procedure has two parts, both performed in a single visit:

• Selective corticotomy: small cuts are made in the outer surface of the jawbone between the tooth roots. This triggers a temporary healing response called the regional acceleratory phenomenon (RAP) that softens the surrounding bone.
• Bone graft: a synthetic or allograft bone material is placed over the corticotomy sites to reinforce and thicken the jawbone as teeth move.

During the RAP window (roughly 4 to 6 months), teeth move much faster than normal. Your orthodontist adjusts your braces or aligners every 1 to 2 weeks rather than every 4 to 6 to take advantage of the accelerated movement.

Who Benefits Most from Wilckodontics

• Adults with mild to moderate crowding who want faster results
• Patients with thin bone who need extra bone volume to support desired tooth movement
• Patients concerned about gum recession from orthodontic movement (the graft adds bone thickness)
• Anyone who cannot commit to 18 to 24 months of visible braces

It is less appropriate for cases requiring major skeletal correction, which are better addressed with orthognathic surgery.

Recovery and What to Expect

Post-surgical swelling and tenderness for 3 to 5 days is typical, well managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients return to work the next day. Your orthodontist starts moving teeth within 1 to 2 weeks of the surgery to align with the acceleratory window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wilckodontics painful?

Discomfort is comparable to a periodontal cleaning, not a major surgery. Most patients report mild soreness for a few days.

How much does Wilckodontics cost?

The periodontal portion typically runs $3,500 to $7,000 depending on how many teeth are involved, in addition to the cost of orthodontic treatment.

Does insurance cover Wilckodontics?

Coverage varies. Bone graft components are sometimes covered under periodontal codes. We submit pre-authorizations so you know your out-of-pocket before starting.

Consult in DC, Alexandria, or Reston

If you are considering Wilckodontics as a way to accelerate your orthodontic treatment, request a consult at our Washington DC, Alexandria, or Reston office. We will coordinate with your orthodontist to plan your case together.